Airtel Drops Zee Channels Amid Ongoing Disputes Between DTH Operators and Broadcasters

By siliconindia  |  Thursday, 12 June 2025, 14:33 IST

Airtel Drops Zee Channels Amid Ongoing Disputes Between DTH Operators and Broadcasters
  • Airtel Digital TV has removed all ZEEL channels from its base packs over a tariff dispute.
  • Zee reportedly demanded a 10–15% fee hike, which Airtel refused; channels now only available a la carte.
  • This mirrors Tata Play's dispute with Sony, highlighting rising conflicts over pricing and regulatory norms.
In a fresh flare-up within India’s television distribution ecosystem, Airtel Digital TV has removed all channels from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) from its DTH base packs. The move follows a similar spat between Tata Play and Culver Max Entertainment (formerly Sony Pictures Networks India), which led to the withdrawal of Sony channels in May.
The latest development has sparked confusion among Airtel subscribers, many of whom reported the sudden disappearance of Zee channels from their subscribed packages. According to industry sources, the decision stems from a standoff over subscription fees, with ZEEL allegedly seeking a 10–15% hike in annual rates a demand Airtel has declined to meet amid ongoing cost pressures in the sector.
Confirming the removal, an Airtel spokesperson stated, “Due to recent changes in broadcaster tariffs, Zee Network channels will no longer be part of the Airtel DTH base packs. These pack prices will be adjusted accordingly. All Zee network channels are available on Airtel DTH and can be added individually to the list of subscribed channels at their respective MRPs via channel selection options”.
Storyboard18 has reached out to ZEEL for comment, but no official response has been received at the time of publication.
This latest episode mirrors the recent clash between Tata Play and Culver Max. In that case, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) offered partial relief to Tata Play by staying a Rs 128.42 crore demand notice from the broadcaster. Instead, Tata Play has been directed to deposit Rs 40 crore within two weeks, following its challenge of a disconnection notice dated May 21.
TDSAT admitted the petition, stating that a prima facie case existed in Tata Play’s favour, and that the balance of convenience supported the DTH operator’s position.
In a parallel development, Culver Max has moved the Bombay High Court, contesting a TDSAT order that prohibits it from making public statements about its dispute with Tata Play. In its June 6 writ petition, Culver Max argues that the May 30 order curtails its right to free speech and trade, alleging that Tata Play’s decision to drop 25 of its channels without prior notice breaches contractual and regulatory norms.
These escalating disputes underline growing friction between DTH operators and broadcasters over tariffs, content valuation, and regulatory compliance. As both sides dig in, consumers may face continued disruption and legal uncertainty over channel availability in the weeks ahead.

ON THE DECK

siliconindia